Fiberglass questions!!

[danstroup284]

Ok, I have done the "search this forum for information" already but still need some guidance. I have recently torn the floor out of my 89 Celebrity (and a dash and a storage box) due to rot. Getting ready to make templates from cardboard and start the wood work. I am going to use 5/8" ply. Planning on fitting it and then covering the cut wood with a resin/hardener mix. Then after installing, glassing the floor in place.

Here is where I need the specific guidance:

1. I do use the hardener when sealing the wood, right? Wouldn't work as a pure resin soak would it?

2. What type of cloth/mat should I use on the floor? And should I do multiple layers?

3. I have left the original tabs and will glass into them. I am thinking that I will have to use the tape that I see is available in different widths. Anything to worry about in this department?

Thanks in advance, and pics will be coming soon!


Dan

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Fiberglass questions!!

Dan, Without hardener, the resin will not set and get hard. It will therefore be sticky and unsuitable. You can add less hardener, and it will allow more time for the resin to soa into the wood. Also, coat all surfaces of the wood with resin/hardener.

After the new floor has been screwed to the stringers, cover the whole floor with at least two layers of light cloth and three coats of resin/hardener. Overlap the seams and the tabs

 

[danstroup284]

Re: Fiberglass questions!!

Any weight of cloth?

Thanks for the help!

 

[gcboat]

Re: Fiberglass questions!!

1-1/2 should be plenty. With a couple of applications it should be good to go.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Fiberglass questions!!

What type of resin are you using, epoxy or polyester?

 

[sdunt]

Re: Fiberglass questions!!

What type of cloth/mat should I use on the floor? And should I do multiple layers?

3. ... I am thinking that I will have to use the tape that I see is available in different widths.

The difference between cloth and mat is that cloth provides more strength, mat is more 'water proof' I used 7.5 oz clothe from this guy: http://stores.ebay.com/Tordoff-Supply

The pieces he sells are ends of rolls, very reasonable.

As for tape, if you really feel the need for the strength of a Bi-axial material at those joints, then yes you can use tape. You can also make your own "tape" from cloth: http://www.shareaproject.com/pages/imageDetail,p,148,i,2873,00.html

 

[danstroup284]

Re: Fiberglass questions!!

Thanks again for the help. Headed out to salvage cardboard today and get started with the template for the floor. Got to get more pictures taken and find a place to post them. When I do I will start a new post.

Dan

 

[danstroup284]

Re: Fiberglass questions!!

What type of resin are you using, epoxy or polyester?

Probably gonna use the epoxy. I don't know much about this stuff, but it seems that although more expensive, I would get a better seal and added strength with the epoxy.

Am I wrong in this thinking?

Dan

 

[danstroup284]

Re: Fiberglass questions!!

Wow, just looked at the US Composite site and am thinking I was a little rash to decide on the epoxy resin. Perhaps the poly resin (given it's price difference) will be the better route. And probably easier to obtain locally.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Fiberglass questions!!

You can even get polyester resin at most Wall-Mart stores, so it is easy to get. Epoxy is stronger and is an all around better product, but polyester works just fine and when used correctly (neither product will last long if not done correctly) will last far longer than your need for this boat.

 

[sdunt]

Re: Fiberglass questions!!

Got to get more pictures taken and find a place to post them. When I do I will start a new post.

You can 'blog' your project for FREE at www.shareaproject.com and its also a great way to store pictures to link with forum posts.

 

[sdunt]

Re: Fiberglass questions!!

You can even get polyester resin at most Wall-Mart stores,

Be careful of how long you Resin has been sitting on the shelf in a store. Resin does age, get old, so buying resin on 'clearance' is not a good thing.

Here's my rant: http://www.shareaproject.com/pages/imageDetail,p,148,i,4049,00.html